HC Deb 19 January 1968 vol 756 cc2105-6

Mr. Braine (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the incidents in Port Harcourt, on 17th January, involving attacks on British property and the safety of British lives.

The Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. George Thomas)

I have been asked to reply.

I understand that the offices in Port Harcourt of the United Africa Company and the Elder Dempster Line were burned down by rioters after a meeting called to protest against the story that 1,000 British troops were on the way to Nigeria to join in the fighting there. We have no report of any British casualties, and, indeed, most British subjects, including the British staff of the companies concerned, have already left the area on our advice.

There is no truth whatsoever in this fantastic story about British troops, and it was officially denied on Tuesday, the day before the riot took place. Her Majesty's Government regard it as disturbing and unjustified that the authorities in Eastern Nigeria should have openly spread such a rumour without the slightest regard to the facts. We protest most strongly at this unprovoked attack on British property.

Mr. Braine

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that Answer. The House will be much relieved to know that, as far as our present information goes, there is no danger to British lives. It appears that there has been a tragic misunderstanding, and we can only hope that the hon. Gentleman's statement this morning will prevent any recurrence.

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that, far from wishing anyone ill in Nigeria, it is the earnest desire of everyone in this House, and indeed of the British people, that there will be an early end to this fratricidal strife in Nigeria and the process of reconciliation can begin? As the situation may continue, will the hon. Gentleman undertake to keep the House informed of any developments?

Mr. Thomas

I am deeply grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the way in which he has approached this tragic and most unhappy event. I earnestly hope that what I have said this morning will reach the people of Biafra, because it is terrible for them to be under a misapprehension which has no foundation at all in truth.

I join the hon. Gentleman, as do the Government, and, I believe, the whole House, in hoping that the Nigerian people, on both sides, will realise that the best thing that can happen for them is to get early peace talks going, without preconditions on either side. I will, of course, keep the House informed, as the hon. Gentleman has requested, if there are any other developments.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many people in the Commonwealth think that Her Majesty's Government's attitude to this problem is exceedingly nebulous? Is it too much to ask that, following this tragic outbreak, we may have more clarity in the position of Her Majesty's Government? Will they realise that Britain, having founded Federal Nigeria, should do everything possible to bring about a peaceful settlement?

Mr. Thomas

The hon. Gentleman is not as helpful as his hon. Friend who leads for the Opposition on this question. The Government's position is quite clear, and has been from the beginning. We seek an early end to these hostilities. All our diplomatic efforts were lent to prevent the outbreak of hostilities, and from the first day of the fighting, until this very day, it has been made perfectly clear to both sides that we believe it is tragic that one of the countries which held out the greatest hope in Africa should be tearing itself apart in this tragic way.

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